You want to apply for a residence permit because you have been offered a traineeship/internship in Sweden via an international exchange programme.
If you are a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA, you will in most cases need a permit to work in Sweden.
The rules for traineeships/internships conducted via an international exchange programme apply to applicants who have been granted a traineeship/internship through
There is also an exchange agreement for young managers between the EU and China.
Plan which embassy to visit to present your passport
You may need to present your passport at an embassy before you can receive a decision. In the application, you must therefore state which embassy you want to visit.
Not all Swedish embassies and consulates-general handle migration cases, so it is important to check which one you should contact:
Make sure that the information on your submitted documents is clearly visible.
Correctly made copies of your passport
You can never be granted a permit for longer than your passport is valid.
Written offer of a traineeship/internship
The offer must state the terms and conditions of your traineeship/internship or assignment.
Statement from the organisation that mediates the traineeship/internship
A representative can apply for you, if you grant them power of attorney. In that case, the person who applies for you must attach a copy of the power of attorney to your application.
Power of attorney (107011)
Pdf, 1.1 MB, opens in new window.
Read more about power of attorney
2025-04-03
On 9 April, the Swedish Migration Agency will resume its residence and work permit activities in Pakistan. Applicants needing to submit biometric data, have their passport checked or be interviewed after submitting an application can once again do so at the embassy in Islamabad. This does not apply to those who are applying for a Schengen visa to visit Sweden for a short stay.
2025-04-01
From 1 April, the possibility of changing tracks will end
On 1 April, the Swedish Parliament’s decision to remove the possibility of changing tracks will come into force. This affects those who have been granted, or applied for, a work permit after an asylum application has been rejected. Your co-applicant family members will also be affected.
2025-03-31
On site in Skellefteå to answer your questions about work permits
Due to Northvolt’s bankruptcy, the Swedish Migration Agency will be on site in Skellefteå to answer your questions about residence and work permits.
2025-03-06
Changes for those residing in Cyprus who wish to apply for residence and work permit
From 17 March 2025 the Swedish embassy in Nicosia will no longer handle migration matters. If you are a citizen of Cyprus, you should instead contact the Swedish embassy in Athens, Greece. The same applies for non-Cypriot legal residents of Cyprus.
2025-03-05
The Swedish Migration Agency's new website has now been launched
On 5 March, the Swedish Migration Agency launched a completely new version of migrationsverket.se, with a new structure and a more user-friendly navigation. The purpose of the new website is primarily to make it easier for visitors to find the information they need.
2025-02-07
Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania are now part of the Schengen area. Legal residents of these countries shall, from 24 February 2025 turn to one of the five Schengen hubs for migration related matters.
2025-02-07
As from 10 March, 2025, the embassy in Sarajevo will no longer handle migration related matters. Instead, you should turn to the Swedish embassy in Skopje, North Macedonia.
2025-01-07
New EU Blue Card rules now apply
As of 1 January, new requirements and rules apply for anyone who wants to apply for an EU Blue Card and existing Blue Card holders.
2024-12-20
As of 3 February 2025, residents of Serbia and Montenegro should contact the Embassy of Sweden in Skopje, North Macedonia for applications for residence and work permits.
